Muscle strength testing method and apparatus

ABSTRACT

A muscle strength testing method and apparatus allow an examiner to objectively evaluate the strength of a plurality of muscles of a patient. The apparatus includes an actuator member releasably connected to a controller device for supporting a weight thereon. The weight is either a patient entity including at least a selected segment of the patient or an examiner entity including at least a part of the examiner supporting the segment. The segment corresponds to the specific muscle(s) to be tested. The controller successively measures a first and second forces applied by the weight on the actuator. The first and second forces correspond to the weight with the specific muscle(s) in a relaxed state and in an active state respectively. The active state induces a substantially vertical pressure on the segment. The controller calculates a difference between the first and second forces which is the strength of the specific muscle(s). The apparatus also allows the examiner to simultaneously subjectively evaluate the strength of the specific muscle(s) of the patient under test.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of gauging devices and is more particularly concerned with a muscle strength testing method and apparatus.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Muscle strength can be defined as the ability of a muscle or a group of muscles to produce tension or exert force through the skeletal system. The generally accepted measurement criterion for the maximum tension which can be exerted by a muscle is the maximum amount of force a muscle can exert on a body part. In physiology, this is referred to as the maximum strength of the muscle and might be expressed, for example, in kilograms per square centimeter of muscular section. In day-to-day life with the patient, the strength is usually expressed in kilograms, Newtons, pounds or inch-pounds and Newton-meters.

[0003] There are a plurality of situations wherein it is desirable to monitor or test different muscle strength of an individual. This type of examination is commonly used in diagnostic, therapeutic and prevention activities. The tests are typically used to determine difference in strength between individuals and/or to determine strength deficits in a given individual. In such a case, deficits are detected by the comparison of contralateral limb segments or muscle groups. The tests are also typically used to monitor a patient's progress during a period of recovery or rehabilitation. Muscle testing is also used in the design of rehabilitation programs for injured patients or individuals wanting to undertake activities for which they are not properly conditioned.

[0004] Although the medical and therapeutic fields have evolved into high-tech sectors using state of the art technology, muscle strength testing which is part of most routine physical examination is still widely performed by a mere manual operation on behalf of an examiner. Muscle strength is typically tested by asking the patient or individual to move actively against the examiner's resistance or to resist against the movement of the examiner on a part of his/her body. While the patient is asked to maintain a specific posture, the examiner subjectively judges the patient's maximum force. Because of the sensitivity provided by the examiner, this method enables the examiner to qualitatively sense the weak muscular contraction such as slight shaking, saw-teeth type of effort or the like.

[0005] The strength is typically subjectively quantified and graded on a conventional zero to five scale. Although there are no international established standards, the grading scale varies between no muscular contraction detected (0) and active movement against full resistance without evident fatigue corresponding to normal muscle strength (5). Many clinicians make further distinction by using plus or minus signs towards the stronger and weaker end of the scale respectively. Thus, a (4+) grade indicates good but not full strength while a (5−) grade means a trace of weakness.

[0006] During the procedure, for purpose of comparison, the unaffected limb of the patient is typically similarly tested. From the hereinabove description, it is quite evident that the common manual method of muscle testing is opened to a large proportion of subjectivity.

[0007] Not only is the evaluation potentially unreliable when performed by a same individual but also this problem is compounded in situations wherein different individuals may use different techniques to perform the same testing.

[0008] Accordingly, several attempts to standardize manual testing procedures have been made and the prior art shows various devices adapted to measure muscle strength. For the most part, prior art devices suffer from a set of disadvantages including lack of ergonomical features, cumbersomeness, inability to test particular muscles or groups of muscles, complexity, lack of portability, expensiveness and so forth. One major drawback associated with some of the prior art devices is their inability to isolate specific muscles or muscle groups needing to be tested. Also, in the clinical context prior art testers have often proven to be difficult and time consuming to adjust to the specific ergonomical characteristics of the patient.

[0009] In order to test various body parts the devices always need to be quickly repositioned, thus failing to provide a practical solution, as opposed to quick displacements of the examiner to support and test these various body parts. As a result, despite the obvious disadvantages of the subjective test of muscle strength, manual testing without instrumentation continues to be the predominant method used in the clinical setting. One of the predominant factors is the so far unequaled ergonomical support provided by the examiner's hands since prior art devices, especially the handheld devices (HHD), are often uncomfortable to the patient and unstable (as opposed to a stabilization provided by a hand-grip). To improve stability, most dynamometric apparatuses are provided with straps and the like that are time consuming.

[0010] Accordingly, there exists a need for an improved objective muscle strength testing method and device that uses the comfort and the grip of the naked hand of the examiner as the only support and resistance.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0011] It is therefore a general object of the present invention to provide a muscle strength testing method and apparatus that obviates the above-noted disadvantages.

[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a muscle strength testing method and apparatus that enables testing of most muscles and group of muscles of a human body.

[0013] A further object of the present invention is to provide a muscle strength testing method and apparatus that provides sufficient sensitivity to objectively detect anything ranging from extremely small forces or muscle effort (even when the patient is unable to displace his/her body part against natural gravity) to normal large forces generated by limb muscles.

[0014] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a muscle strength testing method and apparatus that remains essentially manual in practice and enables simultaneous qualitative subjective and quantitative objective testing of muscles without interfering on or modifying the test itself.

[0015] Advantages of the present invention include the fact that the present muscle strength testing method and apparatus is specifically configured so as to be easy to use in a manner closely akin to the testing that examiners such as physicians, therapists, athletic trainers, coaches and the like currently use.

[0016] The muscle strength testing method and apparatus can be readily positioned so as to test various muscles or groups of muscles without the need for elaborate attachment to the patient and thus provides for a time efficient solution. Also, the present muscle strength testing method and apparatus affords accurate measurements and repeatability in its strength indication from one test to the next.

[0017] The present muscle strength testing method and apparatus by allowing use of a method closely akin to the currently highly performed manual method allows the examiner to obtain both a conventional subjective evaluation of the muscle strength and a more objective dynamometric numerical value of the patient's muscle strength. By allowing the hand of the examiner to provide for resistive forces during the strength evaluation process the muscle strength testing method and apparatus eliminates the need for time consuming and sometimes complex set up procedures.

[0018] Furthermore, the present muscle strength testing method and apparatus allows for the elimination of gravity induced biases and thus allows for the evaluation of even very weak muscles.

[0019] The present muscle strength testing method and apparatus provides various options such as the display of strength versus time curves, the recall of previous test values, the storage of various test values in electronic memory, the electronic linkage to various computing means for processing of the information.

[0020] Still further, the present muscle strength testing method and apparatus allows for measuring, recording and displaying of the strength of various muscles or groups of muscles and of strength peak values during effort.

[0021] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a careful reading of the detailed description provided herein, within appropriate reference to the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0022] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a muscle strength testing method for an examiner to objectively evaluate a strength of a plurality of muscles of a patient; said method comprises the following steps:

[0023] a) providing an actuator device connected to a controller device;

[0024] b) installing a weight on said actuator device, said weight being a patient entity including at least a selected segment of said patient and corresponding to a specific of said plurality of muscles being tested;

[0025] c) measuring a first force value applied by said weight on said actuator device using said controller device; said first force value corresponding to said weight with said specific of said plurality of muscles being in a relaxed state;

[0026] d) measuring a second force value applied by said weight on said actuator device using said controller device; said second force value corresponding to said weight with said specific of said plurality of muscles being in an active state, the latter inducing a substantially vertically oriented pressure on said segment;

[0027] e) obtaining a difference value between said first and second force values from said controller device, said difference value being said strength of said specific of said plurality of muscles.

[0028] Preferably, the examiner simultaneously subjectively evaluates said strength of said plurality of muscles of said patient; said method further comprises, after step b) the following step:

[0029] b′) having said examiner supporting said segment of said patient;

[0030] steps c) and d) further including subjectively measuring said first and second force values applied by said weight using said examiner respectively;

[0031] step e) further including subjectively obtaining said difference value and said strength of said specific of said plurality of muscles from said examiner.

[0032] Alternatively, the weight is an examiner entity including at least a part of said examiner supporting said segment of said patient.

[0033] Alternatively, the examiner entity includes said examiner supporting said segment of said patient.

[0034] Alternatively, the examiner entity includes an examiner structure supporting said examiner supporting said segment of said patient.

[0035] Alternatively, the patient entity includes said patient.

[0036] Alternatively, the patient entity includes a patient structure supporting said patient.

[0037] Alternatively, the patient entity includes a patient structure supporting said segment of said patient.

[0038] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a muscle strength testing apparatus for an examiner to objectively evaluate a strength of a plurality of muscles of a patient, said apparatus comprises an actuator device releasably connected to a controller device for supporting a weight thereon, said weight being a patient entity including at least a selected segment of said patient and corresponding to a specific of said plurality of muscles being tested, said controller device successively measuring a first and a second force values applied by said weight on said actuator device, said first and second force values corresponding to said weight with said specific of said plurality of muscles being in a relaxed state and in an active state respectively, said active state inducing a substantially vertically oriented pressure on said segment; said controller device obtaining a difference value between said first and second force values being said strength of said specific of said plurality of muscles.

[0039] Alternatively, the weight is an examiner entity including at least a part of said examiner supporting said segment of said patient.

[0040] Preferably, the apparatus is further adapted for said examiner to simultaneously subjectively evaluate said strength of said plurality of muscles of said patient with said examiner supporting said segment of said patient, thereby simultaneously subjectively measuring said first and second force values applied by said weight and evaluating said difference value and said strength of said specific of said plurality of muscles.

[0041] Preferably, the controller device includes a keypad member adapted for an operator to activate the same, and a display member for displaying said difference value obtained by the same.

[0042] Preferably, the patient entity includes a patient structure supporting said patient, said actuator device including at least one actuator member located underneath said patient structure.

[0043] Preferably, the examiner entity includes said examiner supporting said segment of said patient, said actuator device including at least one actuator member located underneath said examiner.

[0044] Preferably, the actuator device includes at least one actuator member, said controller device including an electronic circuit member connected to said at least one actuator member, and a display member connected to said electronic circuit member for displaying said difference value.

[0045] Preferably, the first force value being a time average of a first force profile over time, said second force value being a second force profile over time, and said difference value being a difference profile over time of said second force profile over said time average.

[0046] Preferably, the electronic circuit member includes a storage memory for storing a plurality of said difference values.

[0047] Preferably, the specific of said plurality of muscles and all said values are information, said apparatus further comprising a computer member for activating said controller device, recording and storing said information from the same and post-processing said information.

[0048] Preferably, the controller device further includes a remote control for said examiner to remotely control the same.

[0049] Preferably, the apparatus is adapted for being hand-carried by said examiner, whereby said apparatus is conveniently displaced to a patient residence by said examiner visiting said patient.

[0050] Preferably, the controller device repeatedly successively measures said first and second force values applied by said weight on said actuator device, said controller device repeatedly obtaining a difference value from said first and second force values being said strength of said specific of said plurality of muscles.

[0051] Preferably, the operator is said examiner.

[0052] Preferably, the plurality of muscles of a patient are selectable from a database stored in said computer member, said database providing said segment for each of said plurality of said muscles of said patient being tested along with corresponding description of said examiner and patient entities, corresponding patient and examiner test positions and corresponding location of said at least one actuator member.

[0053] Preferably, the first and second force profiles over time have a time duration of generally less than two and thirty seconds respectively, said difference profile over time having a time duration of generally less than thirty seconds.

[0054] Preferably, the first and second force values are repeatedly measured by said controller device between five and one thousand times every second.

[0055] Preferably, the actuator device has a measurement accuracy of less than forty grams and a measurement range from zero to three hundred kilograms.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0056] In the annexed drawings, like reference characters indicate like elements throughout.

[0057]FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a muscle strength testing apparatus according to the present invention, illustrating the interactions between the different components of the apparatus, the dashed lines indicating interactions with optional components;

[0058]FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a muscle strength testing method according to the present invention, showing the sequential steps of the same;

[0059]FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1, showing the apparatus being used for measuring the force of a patient resting on a table and vertically pushing his/her arm down or lifting it up against the resistance of an examiner standing nearby, as shown in solid and dashed lines respectively, actuator members being positioned underneath the table legs;

[0060]FIG. 3a is a view similar to FIG. 3, showing the apparatus being used for measuring the force of a patient resting on a table and vertically lifting his/her arm up against the resistance of the examiner standing nearby, as shown by the arrow; in this case, the examiner of illustration of FIG. 3 had previously supported the arm in a relaxed state to obtain the reference value that takes the gravity into account;

[0061]FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view similar to FIG. 3, showing the apparatus being used for measuring the force of a patient resting on a table and vertically pushing his arm down or lifting it down against the opposition of an examiner standing nearby on an actuator member;

[0062]FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view similar to FIG. 3, showing the apparatus being used for measuring the downward, or upward (as shown in dashed lines), vertical force of a patient resting on a table and acting against an actuator member; and

[0063]FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a display of the computer showing illustrative pictorials of different selectable positions from a database to perform specific tests.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0064] With reference to the annexed drawings the preferred embodiments of the present invention will be herein described for indicative purpose and by no means as of limitation.

[0065] Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown an embodiment 10 of a muscle strength testing apparatus according to the present invention. The apparatus 10 includes a force responsive actuator device 20, preferably at least one actuator member 22, such as load cell type force sensor or the like, adapted to be strategically positioned at various locations as will be hereinafter disclosed. The apparatus 10 also includes a controller device 30 connected to the actuator device 20 for electrically measuring forces applied to the actuator members 22. The controller device 30 has a display member 32 for displaying any output information from the controller 30 and a keypad member 34 for activating/starting the controller 30 by an operator O entering input information.

[0066] As schematically illustrated in FIG. 2, the present invention also relates to a method of testing and measuring muscle strength. This method is based on the premise that once gravitational forces have been taken into account, any modification to the vertical force value exerted on the force responsive actuator device 22 on selected activation of the patient's muscle will provide an accurate read out of the muscle strength of such muscle.

[0067] The method thus consists in properly positioning a segment 42 of the patient body 44 related to the selected muscle(s) of which the force is being evaluated in a generally horizontal relationship relative to the line of gravity in such a manner as to allow the selected muscle(s) of the patient 44 to exert a force F in a generally vertical orientation on the segment 42. A first force (or reference) value is established by measuring a weight applied to strategically installed or positioned actuator members 22 when the muscle is in a relaxed state. This step allows correction for the gravitational weight of the segment 42 being evaluated either in the positive or negative direction depending on the vertical direction of the movement relative to the gravitational force, by eliminating its effect. It provides the controller device 20 and the examiner 54 with a read out not only of the force exerted by the patient 44, but also of the force required by the patient 44 to maintain the segment 42 against gravity, which will be subtracted later on. Once the reference value has been established the patient 44 is asked to exert a maximum force F in the vertical direction against a resistance provided by the examiner 54, resulting in a pressure on the segment 42.

[0068] Modulations of the read outs by the actuators 22 being strategically positioned gives an accurate read out of the strength of the selected muscle(s).

[0069] More specifically, the method consists in

[0070] a) providing the actuator device connected to the controller device;

[0071] b) installing a weight on the actuator device, the weight being a patient entity including at least a selected segment of the patient and corresponding to a specific of the plurality of muscles being tested;

[0072] c) measuring a first force value applied by the weight on the actuator device using the controller device; the first force value corresponding to the weight with the specific of the plurality of muscles being in a relaxed state;

[0073] d) measuring a second force value applied by the weight on the actuator device using the controller device; the second force value corresponding to the weight with the specific of the plurality of muscles being in an active state, the latter inducing a substantially vertically oriented pressure on the segment;

[0074] e) obtaining a difference value between the first and second force values from the controller device, the difference value being the strength of the specific of the plurality of muscles.

[0075] Simultaneously, a resistance offered by the examiner 54 provides for the qualitative subjective evaluation obtained through the conventional manual muscle strength testing method. The actuators 22 may be strategically positioned either directly in contact with the segment 42 being evaluated as shown in FIG. 5, in contact with the examiner 54 as shown in FIG. 4 or in contact with a patient support structure 46 on which the patient 44 is resting, as shown in FIG. 3.

[0076] For example, in a situation such as the one schematically illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 3a, a patient entity 40, preferably the patient 44, rests on a patient structure 46, such as table or the like with his/her segment 42, such as his/her arm positioned substantially horizontally. An examiner entity 50, preferably the examiner 54 alone is positioned so as to provide opposition to the downward force F, or upward force F′, exerted by the patient 44 so as to measure the strength of the specified muscles of the latter, specifically the shoulder flexors or extensors in this case respectively (FIGS. 3 and 3a). Actuators 22 may be positioned either underneath the table legs 47 or directly underneath the examiner 54, as shown in FIG. 4. Once zeroing (measurement of first force or reference or neutral zero value) has occurred (as illustrated in FIG. 3), a second force value measurement is performed by the controller 30 when the patient 44 exerts a downward force F, or upward F′, against the opposition of the examiner 54 (as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 3a), providing a relative accurate difference value between the first and second force values, which is the muscle strength value of the patient's examined shoulder flexors or extensors respectively.

[0077] In the above example, when the patient 44 exerts a first effort to put the muscle(s) in a relaxed state for the measurement of the first force value, the examiner 54 preferably supports the segment 42 from underneath at a determined location associated with a specific lever arm (see FIG. 3). Then, upon the upwardly oriented force F′ for the measurement of the second force value from the patient 44, the examiner 54 obviously needs to provide a resistance leverage at a similar location above the segment 42 (see FIG. 3a).

[0078] In situations illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the examiner 54, supporting the segment 42 under test, has the privilege of simultaneously performing a standard qualitative subjective evaluation of segment 42 with the quantitative objective testing described hereinabove.

[0079] Similarly, the examiner 54 supporting the segment 42 of the patient 44 could be sitting on the table that would become the examiner structure 56, with the patient 44 standing on the floor B, or being on another treatment table (not shown) or simply a chair or the like.

[0080] In a preferred embodiment of the invention the actuators 22 take the form of modified electronic weighing machines such as those used for weighing parcels since they provide a high measurement accuracy of less than 40 grams (that could detect contraction of small muscles such as finger muscles and the like) and a wide measurement range from zero to over three hundred (300) kilograms. The fact that a difference value is calculated improves the accuracy of the apparatus, as opposed to an absolute value. As it would be obvious to anyone skilled in the art, actuators 22 along with their respective connection to the controller device 30 are specifically adapted to exclude parasites.

[0081] As shown in FIG. 1, the controller 30 includes an electronic circuit member 36 connected to the actuators 22 and the keypad member 34 to receive input information from the operator O. The electronic circuit 36 is further connected to the display member 32 as an output channel. The electronic circuit 36 also includes a storage memory 38 to store the different output information for further downloading and post-processing, as hereinafter described. Obviously, the controller 30 also includes all required interfaces for all connections, as it is well known in the art.

[0082] Typically, the controller 30 is so configured as to preferably read (5) actuators 22 although other configurations may be provided without departing from the scope of the present invention. Readings are performed simultaneously in order to provide for better accuracy. Obviously, first and second force values are preferably force profile over time. Accordingly, the actuators 22 are typically read at a rate of approximately one hundred (100) cycles per second per channel. The input rate could be higher up to one thousand (1000) cycles per second or more (or less) without departing from the scope of the present invention. The display member 32 typically takes the form of a liquid crystal type LCD display. Preferably, the display 32 provides information on the actual output information showing the peak strength value, prior test output values or any other suitable information. As is well known in the art, angulation and intensity of the LCD display may be adjusted through suitable adjustment means, if required.

[0083] A power source is further provided for powering various parts, components of the apparatus 10, as well known in the art. Typically, the power source includes re-chargeable batteries so as to provide for autonomy of the apparatus 10.

[0084] Accordingly, the apparatus 10 is adapted for being hand-carried by the examiner 54 in order to be conveniently displaced to a patient's residence by the examiner 54 visiting the handicapped or under-rehabilitation patient 44. Therefore all test results are preferably stored in the apparatus memory 38 for further analysis by the examiner 54 at his/her office.

[0085] When a connection is not being used on the controller 30, the signal for the specific input is adequately being treated as to eliminate interferences. Within the keypad 34, an activating switch is provided for initiating the test procedure. Optionally, the activating switch 70 may be actuated by the foot, the hands or any other suitable body part of the examiner 54 if remotely connected using a connecting wire 72 or simply be wireless as often used in similar applications. Preferably, the activating switch 70 is provided with a magnet so as to allow for the latter to be magnetically anchored to most metallic equipment.

[0086] Additionally, a pair of selecting switches are provided for allowing selective display and browsing of prior test output results. A reset switch is also preferably provided for resetting the apparatus 10. Audio display means may also optionally be provided to provide audio cues for enabling the examiner 54 to follow step procedures in synchronization with the controller 30.

[0087] The electronic circuit 36 preferably computes the output information emanating from the actuators 22 via the controller 30 and preferably coordinates the different sequences of testing operation.

[0088] Once the apparatus 10 is activated, the electronic circuit 36 preferably initializes the input data, the LCD 32, an all interfaces. The apparatus 10 then waits in a stand-by mode. Once the operator O or the examiner 54 activates the activating switch for a given test, the circuit 36 initiates the reading/recording process. Each reading sequence preferably includes a waiting time interval typically in the range of two (2) seconds prior to reading the reference (or first force) value on each actuator 22. In order to read a reference value the circuit 36 communicates with actuators 22 which transmit the respective weight data. The circuit 36 reads approximately one hundred (100) reading cycles on each channel. An average value is computed every ten readings in order to preserve approximately ten (10) readings per second.

[0089] Once the reference value has been computed, the circuit 36 preferably waits for an additional waiting period substantially in the range of two (2) cycles prior to performing the strength measurement, or second force value, readings for a typical period duration of less than thirty (30) seconds (longer periods could be considered for performing endurance tests of the muscle(s), or the like tests). The patient 44 is instructed to activate the selected segment 42 so as to create a vertical force F, either downwardly or upwardly oriented. The circuit 36 subtracts the respective reference value to each reading on each actuator 22 in order to obtain the difference value or the force F exerted by the patient 42. The difference value is preferably computed immediately after each reading in order to enable real time output appearance on the display 36.

[0090] Once the test is finished for a given segment strength, the electronic circuit 36 computes the peak force on a predetermined peak force range typically in the range of half a second (0.5 s) and displays the latter on the LCD 32. All of the readouts and computed values are then stored in the storage memory 38. The apparatus 10 then returns to the stand-by mode. The circuit 36 of the controller 30 is also optionally connected to a computer member 60 to send all of the read, computed and stored values towards the same via a serial type interface so as to allow for proper transfer (or download). The computer 60, preferably a PC (or Macintosh®) type computer with its own keyboard 62 for operator input may optionally initiate any step sequence, display the input and output computed values and store the computed and input values within its own memory 66. A calibration ratio may also be transferred to the computer in order to allow the latter to perform its own computing sequence. The electronic circuit 36 and preferably the computer 60 may be used for further data post-processing such as mathematical statistics or pre-processing such as other modular treatment to the input values and to manipulate the latter so as to facilitate cognitive sequential treatment. Essentially, the computer 60 determines the proper sequence of performing a series of tests to minimize displacement efforts to the patient 44 as well as testing time. The computer 60 preferably includes a database 68, in its memory 66, providing, for each of the different possible muscle segments 42 to be tested (over one hundred (100) and even more), description of the required examiner 50 and patient 40 entities (presence or not of any specific respective structure 56, 46), as well as corresponding examiner 54 and patient 44 test positions, corresponding location of the actuator(s) 22, and, preferably, a corresponding illustrative pictorials 64 a, as shown in FIG. 6. Also, the controller 30 provides capability for the operator O to calibrate the actuators 22 whenever required through a programmed calibration procedure.

[0091] Optionally, in the case the location of the apparatus 10 remains permanent into a specific room, one could consider having the floor B of the room being subdivided in specific sections mounted on respective actuator members 22. The latter would thereby be embedded therein and seem invisible to the examiner 54 and the patient 44 while still being connected to the apparatus 10.

[0092] Although the present muscle strength testing method and apparatus have been described with a certain degree of particularity it is to be understood that the disclosure has been made by way of example only and that the present invention is not limited to the features of the embodiments described and illustrated herein, but includes all variations and modifications within the scope and spirit of the invention as hereinafter claimed. 

We claim:
 1. A muscle strength testing method for an examiner to objectively evaluate a strength of a plurality of muscles of a patient, said method comprising the following steps: a) providing an actuator device connected to a controller device; b) installing a weight on said actuator device, said weight being a patient entity including at least a selected segment of said patient and corresponding to a specific of said plurality of muscles being tested; c) measuring a first force value applied by said weight on said actuator device using said controller device; said first force value corresponding to said weight with said specific of said plurality of muscles being in a relaxed state; d) measuring a second force value applied by said weight on said actuator device using said controller device; said second force value corresponding to said weight with said specific of said plurality of muscles being in an active state, the latter inducing a substantially vertically oriented pressure on said segment; e) obtaining a difference value between said first and second force values from said controller device, said difference value being said strength of said specific of said plurality of muscles.
 2. A testing method according to claim 1 , wherein said examiner simultaneously subjectively evaluating said strength of said plurality of muscles of said patient, said method further comprising, after step b) the following step: b′) having said examiner supporting said segment of said patient; steps c) and d) further including subjectively measuring said first and second force values applied by said weight using said examiner respectively; step e) further including subjectively obtaining said difference value and said strength of said specific of said plurality of muscles from said examiner.
 3. A testing method according to claim 2 , wherein said weight being an examiner entity including at least a part of said examiner supporting said segment of said patient.
 4. A testing method according to claim 3 , wherein said examiner entity including said examiner supporting said segment of said patient.
 5. A testing method according to claim 3 , wherein said examiner entity including an examiner structure supporting said examiner supporting said segment of said patient.
 6. A testing method according to claim 1 , wherein said patient entity including said patient.
 7. A testing method according to claim 1 , wherein said patient entity including a patient structure supporting said patient.
 8. A testing method according to claim 1 , wherein said patient entity including a patient structure supporting said segment of said patient.
 9. A muscle strength testing apparatus for an examiner to objectively evaluate a strength of a plurality of muscles of a patient, said apparatus comprising an actuator device releasably connected to a controller device for supporting a weight thereon, said weight being a patient entity including at least a selected segment of said patient and corresponding to a specific of said plurality of muscles being tested, said controller device successively measuring a first and a second force values applied by said weight on said actuator device, said first and second force values corresponding to said weight with said specific of said plurality of muscles being in a relaxed state and in an active state respectively, said active state inducing a substantially vertically oriented pressure on said segment; said controller device obtaining a difference value between said first and second force values being said strength of said specific of said plurality of muscles.
 10. An apparatus according to claim 9 , wherein said weight being an examiner entity including at least a part of said examiner supporting said segment of said patient.
 11. An apparatus according to claim 10 , further adapted for said examiner to simultaneously subjectively evaluate said strength of said plurality of muscles of said patient with said examiner supporting said segment of said patient, thereby simultaneously subjectively measuring said first and second force values applied by said weight and evaluating said difference value and said strength of said specific of said plurality of muscles.
 12. An apparatus according to claim 10 , wherein said controller device including a keypad member adapted for an operator to activate the same, and a display member for displaying said difference value obtained by the same.
 13. An apparatus according to claim 9 , wherein said patient entity including a patient structure supporting said patient, said actuator device including at least one actuator member located underneath said patient structure.
 14. An apparatus according to claim 10 , wherein said examiner entity including said examiner supporting said segment of said patient, said actuator device including at least one actuator member located underneath said examiner.
 15. An apparatus according to claim 11 , wherein said actuator device including at least one actuator member, said controller device including an electronic circuit member connected to said at least one actuator member, and a display member connected to said electronic circuit member for displaying said difference value.
 16. An apparatus according to claim 15 , wherein said first force value being a time average of a first force profile over time, said second force value being a second force profile over time, and said difference value being a difference profile over time of said second force profile over said time average.
 17. An apparatus according to claim 15 , wherein said electronic circuit member including a storage memory for storing a plurality of said difference values.
 18. An apparatus according to claim 16 , wherein said specific of said plurality of muscles and all said values being information, said apparatus further comprising a computer member for activating said controller device, recording and storing said information from the same and post-processing said information.
 19. An apparatus according to claim 16 , wherein said controller device further including a remote control for said examiner to remotely control the same.
 20. An apparatus according to claim 9 , wherein said apparatus being adapted for being hand-carried by said examiner, whereby said apparatus is conveniently displaced to a patient residence by said examiner visiting said patient.
 21. An apparatus according to claim 9 , wherein said controller device repeatedly successively measuring said first and second force values applied by said weight on said actuator device, said controller device repeatedly obtaining a difference value from said first and second force values being said strength of said specific of said plurality of muscles.
 22. An apparatus according to claim 12 , wherein said operator being said examiner.
 23. An apparatus according to claim 18 , wherein said plurality of muscles of a patient being selectable from a database stored in said computer member, said database providing said segment for each of said plurality of said muscles of said patient being tested along with corresponding description of said examiner and patient entities, corresponding patient and examiner test positions and corresponding location of said at least one actuator member.
 24. An apparatus according to claim 16 , wherein said first and second force profiles over time having a time duration of generally less than two and thirty seconds respectively, said difference profile over time having a time duration of generally less than thirty seconds.
 25. An apparatus according to claim 21 , wherein said first and second force values being repeatedly measured by said controller device between five and one thousand times every second.
 26. An apparatus according to claim 9 , wherein said actuator device having a measurement accuracy of less than forty grams and a measurement range from zero to three hundred kilograms. 